Elevating the conversation on work and identity.

Author: christopherklee

My Myers-Briggs type decisively ends in the letter J. For the uninitiated, Myers-Briggs is a personality test and J connotes that I “prefer an orderly way of life.” Sticky notes line my desk. Checklists keep me on track. As a strategist, I pride myself on thinking through all possible options. I hate the idiom “we’ll … Continue reading Take One Step at a Time

Cultural wisdom tells us that money doesn’t buy happiness. We hear this in movies, on TV, and from friends. We read it in books and on motivational posters. We’ve seen the lives of the rich and famous unravel. Still, most people are inclined to test this hypothesis for themselves. Below are my recent reflections on … Continue reading Practice Gratitude

Citing our fast-paced lifestyles, we often pay a premium for convenience. Home delivery subscriptions now exist for everything from groceries and meal kits to clothes and razors. Mobile ordering and payment apps are ubiquitous. We have Amazon Echos, Keurigs, and Roombas. Yet we’re still busy. Saving time just allows us to pack more into our … Continue reading Live Out Your Priorities

Networking—the word makes many cringe. Some think that it’s disingenuous. They envision smooth operators and politicians wheeling and dealing. For others, networking is too forced and awkward. The introverts among us would rather curl up with a book at home. Still a number are content with their circumstance and don’t feel the need to network. … Continue reading Give and Connect

There’s no such thing as a self-made man or woman. Behind every successful individual are mentors—teachers, coaches, advisors—who have supported and invested in them. Basketball players have free throw coaches; pop stars, voice coaches. Even CEOs seek guidance from executive coaches and more experienced CEOs. You need a mentor (or several) as well. Mentors are … Continue reading Seek Out Mentors

Job seekers are too easily dazzled. Some jump at the prospect of working for a well-known brand. Others are delighted by open floor plans and whiteboard walls. Still others are thrilled by onsite gyms, free lunches, employee discounts, and so on. All of these hold value, but their novelty soon fades. The top determinant of … Continue reading Find the Right Boss

I always admired peers who knew what they wanted to do. Many entered college resolved to become doctors. Unlike me, who entertained half a dozen majors, they had a clear destination from the start. As a group, they dreamt big and worked hard. Research, internships, volunteering—whatever might give a competitive edge for med school applications—they … Continue reading Be Focused but Flexible

Blindfolded I meandered through the obstacle course, guided by the voice of my partner. Meanwhile, opposing teams made noise and gave conflicting directions. Progress was slow, each step careful. The makeshift obstacles themselves weren’t difficult. The challenge was focusing through the distractions. Post-college life often resembles this game. To reach your destination, you must separate … Continue reading Overcome the Noise

The more you know, the more you realize you’ve yet to learn. Similar sentiments have been expressed by Einstein, Aristotle, and Disney’s version of Pocahontas.1 Recent graduates will soon face this reality. Some will experience it as a warm invitation into lifelong learning; others, a rude awakening of how little their education pertains to their … Continue reading Immerse Yourself

Advertisements often reflect societal values. Amtrak tells commuters to “stay productive” with its free Wi-Fi service. 5-hour ENERGY promises to “help you get through your busy day.” Microsoft claims that its products “do more. Just like you.” We’ve been conditioned to believe that success demands constant activity. In today’s hyper-connected global market, we must keep … Continue reading The Allure of Busyness